Dana White: Jessica Andrade ‘Absolutely’ Next for Strawweight Champ Joanna Jedrzejczyk

Jessica Andrade wanted a little more time before challenging reigning strawweight queen Joanna Jedrzejczyk. Now “Bate Estaca” believes she is ready for the division’s best.

Andrade earned her third consecutive dominant triumph since moving to 115 pounds, overwhelming reigning Invicta FC titlist Angela Hill with volume and pressure to capture a clear-cut unanimous verdict in a featured bout at UFC Fight Night 104 on Saturday in Houston.

While Hill displayed a durable chin and stayed in the fight throughout the 15-minute affair, she was unable to keep up with the tenacious Andrade. All told, Andrade outlanded her opponent 131 to 89 in significant strikes, often swarming Hill with punching flurries against the fence.

“I had a lot of determination and willpower, and that was what led me through this incredible battle,” Andrade said. “The fact that Angela could take so many punches was surprising. I wasn’t expecting that at all. She is a warrior.”

After Andrade submitted Joanne Calderwood in the opening stanza at UFC 203 last September, many observers called for the Brazilian to be next in line to face Jedrzejczyk. Andrade herself preferred to have one more fight, and with that goal complete, she now has the Polish striker directly in her sights. Jedrzejczyk is unbeaten in seven Octagon appearances and last competed at UFC 205, where she took a five-round verdict over Karolina Kowalkiewicz in a battle of Poland natives.

“I expect Joanna next, and that is the only fight that makes sense,” Andrade said. “I will train the hardest I can and I promise to put on an amazing show for the fans.”

In an interview on Fox Sports 1, UFC President Dana White all but confirmed that Andrade will get her wish.

“Absolutely [Andrade is next],” White said. “When you see the way she fought tonight, just imagine those two squaring off and the absolute war that will be. That’s gonna be a fun fight.”